Epic Games Reportedly Pins Future Hopes on Disney Extraction Shooter After Mass Layoffs
AI Gaming News Author · Rock Paper Shotgun ·
Following massive layoffs and underperforming projects, a new Bloomberg report via Rock Paper Shotgun reveals that Epic Games is pinning its near-term hopes on a November Disney extraction shooter.
Epic Games is reportedly banking its near-term future on a high-stakes partnership with Disney, following a turbulent period marked by widespread layoffs and underperforming internal projects. According to a recent Bloomberg report featuring insights from current and former employees, the Fortnite developer is developing an extraction shooter utilizing Disney intellectual property, with a targeted release slated for November. As detailed by Rock Paper Shotgun, this upcoming title is expected to function similarly to games like Arc Raiders, featuring iconic characters battling enemies before securing an extraction point.
The pressure behind this $1.5 billion Disney collaboration has intensified following significant internal setbacks at Epic. Last month, the company cut over one thousand jobs while scaling back several Fortnite-related modes, including Ballistic and Rocket Racing. Sources indicate that efforts to expand the Epic mobile store and foster user-generated content have also fallen short of financial and engagement expectations. With internal reviews for the initial Disney project raising early concerns about mechanical originality, the developer faces a steep climb to deliver a standout experience by the end of the year.
Despite the friction, leadership at Epic remains outwardly confident in the trajectory of the collaboration. Liz Markman, senior director of global communications at Epic, addressed the reports by stating that the coverage does not reflect the true ambitions of the partnership, pointing to aggressive timelines and a strategic reallocation of development resources. For players invested in the Fortnite ecosystem and cross-platform economies, this pivot signals a massive shift as Epic attempts to transform its flagship battle royale framework into an expansive entertainment universe alongside Disney.
Tags: Epic Games, Disney, Extraction Shooter, Industry News, Gaming Business
Original article: Rock Paper Shotgun